PAINESVILLE, Ohio — A Painesville family is sharing their gratitude following multiple fundraisers for their 13-year-old son who was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition after a series of headaches sent him to the hospital.
This time last year, Ashton Staton was a typical 12-year-old boy.
“He played basketball, baseball, football,” Matt Staton said. “The kid hit three home runs and a grand slam over the fence in one day.”
However, a series of headaches during a baseball tournament last summer left Ashton, his family and doctors puzzled.
“We took him to Cleveland Clinic. They thought they were migraines,” Staton said. "We took him the next day. They thought they were migraines.”
In mid-July, Ashton was placed under a medically-induced coma.
“He was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called anti-NMDA autoimmune encephalitis,” Staton said of his son. “Ultimately, his body and his immune system were attacking his brain receptors.”
As Ashton continues to fight for his life, the community has shown its love in any way possible.
“A pasta and a salad,” fundraiser organizer Michael Carr said. “$25 to help raise money for the family and support.”
Staton said the show of camaraderie and support for his son is humbling.
“It's really tough to see your kid turn 13, turn into a teenager while he's fighting for his life connected to a ventilator in the middle of a pandemic,” Staton said. “I drive home and there are signs in people's yards that say ‘Ashton Strong.’ The whole neighborhood has ‘Ashton Strong’ signs. We have ‘Ashton Strong’ t-shirts and it's just beautiful to see.”
A gofundme fundraiser has been set up to help the family with medical costs. Click here for more info on how to help the Staton family.
